Deal will prevent spike in milk prices

WASHINGTON (AP) -- White House and congressional bargainers have agreed to prevent milk price increases as part of their compromise to avert the "fiscal cliff."

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow says negotiators have agreed to extend portions of the expired farm through September. She says that includes language keeping milk prices from potentially doubling, but excluding other provisions including energy and disaster aid for farmers.

Stabenow, a Michigan Democrat, says she considers the extension to be "Mitch McConnell's version of a farm bill." She was referring to the Senate minority leader from Kentucky, who she said forced bargainers to accept the version of the farm bill that appeared in the deal.